Point, Squint, and Shoot, Manually Speaking

This strange conglomeration of bright colors was my view into the pool this cool January afternoon. When I took the shot I wasn’t aware of the deep blue color reflecting back from the sky.  I know it isn’t a gorgeous photo, but it is special to me nonetheless because I took the shot after bravely putting my fancy dancy camera on “M” for Manual! Although my left eye feels a bit punchy from all the squinting, I am now familiar enough with the two main dials on my camera to adjust the aperture and the shutter speed until the little … Continue reading Point, Squint, and Shoot, Manually Speaking

The good, the bad and the ugly tirade

And now, it’s time for a status report on our move from homeschooling to partnering with a University Model School. The Good My daughter’s teachers ROCK!  They genuinely love their students and have all been so welcoming to our entire family.  They are encouraging and helpful, respond to my endless emailed questions in a timely manner, and have extended grace as we adjust to this change.  My daughter is already participating in group work, which was one of the main draws for us.  Our “only” child needed to learn how to work with other students toward a common goal.  Our … Continue reading The good, the bad and the ugly tirade

Teacher-In-Chief

Is anyone in our country above the law? Apparently our esteemed national leaders consider laws beneath them when those laws do not serve their purposes…and I am beyond angry at the ludicrous way our leaders keep breaking their own laws. Let’s start at the top, shall we? President Obama is violating the 1974 Budget Act for the third year in a row.  I guess the IRS will give me an extension on my taxes if I decide I need a few more weeks to “finalize decisions and technical details.”  WRONG!  If my daughter decides she needs an extra few weeks … Continue reading Teacher-In-Chief

Diggin’ for Water

Water — no one disputes the truth that water is essential for life.  Without it, our rivers and wells run dry.  Livestock, other animals, and crops perish during times of devastating drought. A human can only live a few days without it.  Even as I write these words, people are dying in many parts of this world because their waters have run dry. Yet there is another place beyond this living world that we can see and touch that requires another kind of water. Jesus spoke of this kind of mysterious water when he encountered a woman at a well. … Continue reading Diggin’ for Water

In Honor of Lt. Richard McBride

Dear Rich, Twenty years ago today, you followed Christ to the end of your life on earth when you laid down your own to help save the lives of your fellow naval airmen.  I did not know you or your family then, but your life impacts mine in ways that neither of us could have dreamed.  You see, I met your little brother the same year you entered Jordan, only, at 6’2″, he wasn’t exactly little anymore!  A few years later, I married him and took your precious family to be my own. I never met you, Rich, but you … Continue reading In Honor of Lt. Richard McBride